powell] SOCIOLOGY, OR THE SCIENCE OF INSTITUTIONS 739
character of his person and authority, notwithstanding which re- ligion undergoes further development. The pageantry of kingly courts is the pageantry of religious ceremony. The festivals which are promoted by rulers all have a religious character, and the priesthood constitute a body of men which are often learned, often devout, often zealous, and often profoundly interested in the good of mankind. Ecclesiastics thus constitute a specialized body of men whose function it is to receive the new-born and consecrate them to the higher life of religion. It is their duty to train the youth in the nurture and admonition of religion. It is their duty to admonish and reprove for evil conduct. It is their duty to guide men in all the ways of life. When the most im- portant event of social life occurs, they solemnize the marriage and they seek and often exercise the power of controlling mar- riage relations in the interest of religion ; in sickness and in pain they shower comfort and fortitude, and they bear in their hands as offerings for religious conduct the bounties of paradise. When the portal of death is open, kindred and friends are con- soled, and the occasion serves to enforce the doctrines of religion. Thus religion, which is a theory of superlative conduct, employs sanctions of superlative potency.
The association of the fine arts continues through the stage of monarchy. Largely their evolution is accomplished through the agency of the priesthood, and men of genius who are devout worshipers contribute their share to the advancement of esthetics often impelled by religious ecstasy. In music melody and har- mony are added by ecclesiastics as an adjunct to temple worship. In graphic, to sculpture and relief perspective is added, impelled by the motive of decoration to the walls of the temple. In drama the mysteries of religion still constitute the theme, while to dancing and sacrifice ceremony is added. The drama is no longer the leading element in religious worship, but it becomes an accessory element designed to instruct the people in the mys- teries of religion. In romance, to beast fables and power myths
�� �
